Daily news digest May 8

Today’s Indigenous news in Australia features significant health and policy announcements, as well as community vigils following a tragedy in Alice Springs.

Community & Justice

Vigils for “Kumanjayi Little Baby”:
Hundreds gathered in major cities, including Naarm (Melbourne), for smoking ceremonies and vigils in solidarity with the family of a five-year-old girl allegedly murdered in Alice Springs.

Child Protection Demands:
Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has called for Indigenous children to be treated with the same protections as all Australian children following the tragic death in the NT.

Inquiry into Racism:
A parliamentary inquiry is hearing evidence in Adelaide from legal and medical bodies regarding the impacts of systemic racism and violence on First Nations communities.

First Peoples’ Assembly:
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has elected new co-chairs following recent elections.

Health & Policy

Bone Health Partnership:
A new research collaboration in Kalgoorlie, led by Spartan First, aims to transform national screening policies for Indigenous bone health.

Trachoma Milestone:
Federal Minister Malarndirri McCarthy highlighted the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, attributing the success to community-led health organisations.

Tax System Review:
A new review is actively seeking Indigenous perspectives to ensure the tax system better serves First Nations businesses and communities.

Vocational Hub:
The Federal Government announced a new Indigenous Vocational Hub to be led by First Nations people to improve jobs and skills outcomes.

Sports & Culture

Archibald Prize Winner:
A portrait of a Pitjantjatjara Elder has won the Archibald Prize, a major milestone for Indigenous representation in Australian art.

NRL Injury News:
Latrell Mitchell has been sidelined with a lower-back injury, potentially impacting his availability for the upcoming State of Origin series.

Origin Call-up:
Sydney Roosters prop Kalosipani Butler described being “speechless” after receiving her call-up for the women’s State of Origin.

Western Australia & Regional

Tourism Investment:
The WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council has welcomed a $5 million commitment from the State government to expand the Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan.

Wadeye Infrastructure:
Women in the Wadeye community are intensifying calls for the Port Keats Road to be sealed to maintain essential connections to Country.